Grass Fires Ignite Across North Central Florida

It's a problem igniting all over North Central Florida. Fires popping up along the interstate, and in neighborhoods.

Igniting because of unusually dry conditions, grass fires just need a spark to ignite according to officials, especially along the interstate.

"The grass has pretty much gone through a freeze and is now just ready to ignite," said District Fire Chief Jeff Harpe.

Cigarette butts can act like blow torches when they're tossed from car windows.

On Monday, firefighters put out two small grass fires along I-75.

"You have smoke, then you have the people who are passing by, they got to look and see what's going on with the fire service and what we're doing out there, and that typically causes your vehicle accidents, which on the interstate, could get really bad," said Harpe.

There are no burn bans in effect, but even without one, firefighters say to err on the side of caution.

"If you're going to be doing any outdoor activities, whether a grill or a trash pile, something like that, have a water source close by," he said.